A PILOT project has been launched by the North York Moors National Park Authority to train young people to become countryside managers.

The scheme will equip young people with skills and hands-on experience, as well as academic qualifications, for countryside management in the National Park.

Now the authority is searching for interested youngsters.

Head of park services Richard Gunton said all prospective candidates would be assessed thoroughly.

He said: "We are thrilled to get this up and running. The apprenticeship scheme will give local young people a fantastic grounding in countryside skills.

"They will work alongside our very experienced and highly reputed field service team. It really is gold star training in countryside skills.

"The North York Moors needs sensitive management, including thorough use of traditional skills such as hedge laying and walling, which are fast disappearing locally.

"The scheme is a real step forward in developing and matching local skills to local needs."

It is being funded by the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, and the National Park Authority will provide £5,000 each year for each apprentice as their training allowance.

Apprentices, who must be aged between 16 and 24, will take an apprenticeship course which lasts between 12 and 15 months.

They will spend most of their time learning practical "hands-on" skills, working alongside experienced workers in the North York Moors.

Classroom-based learning, which will be provided by Scarborough Borough Council's training services, will be added to the apprentices' practical skills picked up in the field. Candidates will be offered NVQ training in environmental conservation.

Andy Wilson, National Park Authority chief executive, said: "This is a great opportunity for local young people to gain high quality vocational training.

"Ultimately, the scheme will provide the skills which are necessary for long term care of the special landscapes in the national park and be a channel to future employment in the landscape."

The North York Moors Apprenticeship Scheme is initially looking to sign eight youngsters.

Anyone interested is asked to contact Mr Gunton or Ian Nicholls, at North York Moors National Authority, the Old Vicarage, Bondgate, Helmsley, York, YO62 5PB, or telephone (01439) 770657.